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Scheck's Place State Forest Campground provides dedicated facilities for equestrian camping near Central Lake, Michigan. The trail camp section specifically welcomes horse owners with ample space for setting up camp alongside their animals. Large, wooded sites offer privacy while accommodating horses and camping equipment. The campground features vault toilets and hand pump water access. Trail riders note they can take as much space as needed for their horses and equipment, creating a customizable camping experience suited to various equestrian needs. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-registration system.
The Boardman River runs adjacent to Scheck's Place, offering horses water access during rides. Multiple trails connect through the state forest, making this location ideal for extended trail riding adventures. The campground serves as a perfect basecamp for equestrians exploring the Shore to Shore Trail network. Horse owners particularly appreciate the quiet, uncrowded atmosphere that allows for relaxed camping with their animals. The site's honor pay system requires cash payment, with no park staff regularly on-site. Riders typically encounter minimal other visitors, especially during weekday stays, creating a peaceful environment for both horses and humans. The trail camp's natural setting balances necessary amenities with a rustic camping experience, making it appealing to equestrians seeking authentic outdoor adventures.
"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people)."
"I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
"We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."
"Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir."
"Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."
"The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
"Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."
"We rented a extra site, so nobody could rent near us, sooo nice! Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"This is a great horse camp. Have camped here many times. Pump water and river for horses. Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
RangerWe stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground. This campground had easy access to the water, and the restrooms were very clean. The campground seemed to have a lot if unnecessary traffic.
TravelerThere are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.
The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).
The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.
There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.
The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.
There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.
TravelerI like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It’s a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers (my particular interest). The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area). Large wooded sites. Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS.
Negatives: can be noisy at times with the ATVs and also large camping groups. But for the most part I’ve found ppl to be respectful. A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected.
Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain.
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
GuideIt was logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 "sites" and an open field for equestrian activities.
Very secluded. Nothing of interest in the nearby area.
Looks to be seldom used.
No cell service. Verizon is the dominant service up here. 0 signal.
GuideCant count how many times i've been here. Being only a couple miles from home, I could ride my bike through the forest paths to this camp ground. The camp is located on the N.W. shore of the Lake Dubonnet resovoir. Rustic, cheap, horse friendly, out house, and pleanty of forest and lake to explore.
GuideTurtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade. We will definitely be staying here again! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites.
GuideThis is a great horse camp. Have camped here many times. Pump water and river for horses. Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty.
ScoutFamily friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too.
The Pigeon River State Forest area near Central Lake, Michigan offers equestrian campers access to over 100 miles of trails through hardwood forests and river valleys. At 1,120 feet above sea level, the region typically sees summer temperatures between 70-85°F, making it ideal for extended trail rides. Most horse campgrounds in the area operate from May through October when trail conditions are optimal.
Trail riding networks: Explore the Shore to Shore Trail system that passes through several equestrian campgrounds. At Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, riders appreciate the varied terrain. "Quiet, not populated, and beautiful views. I've solo camped here a few times and it's great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation," notes Kate K.
Swimming access: Cool off in local lakes after a hot ride. Turtle Lake offers designated swimming areas for riders and horses alike. "There is a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade," reports Chris R. from Turtle Lake Campground.
Evening stargazing: Northern Michigan's dark skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. "This campground is in some lower ground, with a beautiful river running though it. It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy," explains Judy B. about her experience at a local horse camp.
River proximity: Many equestrian camps feature direct water access. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down. There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect," shares Gemma G. about the regional trail systems.
Spacious sites: Pigeon River State Forest Campground offers room to spread out with your horses. "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site," says Paul C., highlighting the riverfront camping options.
Solitude: Weekday visits often provide the most peaceful experience for horse campers. "I love staying at this rustic campground. You can pick sites on the river or back by the woods. There are vault toilets and a well for water," notes Lydia T. about the camping options.
Payment systems: Most equestrian campgrounds use self-registration. "Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest. Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system," advises Anna B. about the area's camping protocols.
Cell service limitations: Prepare for minimal connectivity. "Beware of the bugs! Also, there is no cell service," warns Halie C. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Site selection: Some camping areas have designated horse sections while others allow camping throughout. "There are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers. The other is the trail camp," explains a regular visitor to horse campgrounds near Central Lake.
Water activities: Incorporate swimming and paddling for children between trail rides. "Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings. If you can manage to find this place, you will love it!" shares Kate K. about recreation options in the region.
Playground access: Some equestrian campgrounds include play areas for children. "What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt. While I understand that comes with the territory of camping, this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground," notes Ann D. from Turtle Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Incorporate nature education during your stay. "We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 107 for 3 days in mid July. This is a relatively large CG, just under 100 wooded sites, which are reasonably spaced for a private CG," shares Ray & Terri F. about camping options around Central Lake.
Site dimensions: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate large RVs. "I've seen people tenting and I've seem people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large rvs," advises Lydia T. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Water access points: Shared water sources are common. "We thought this would be a good place for our first trip in our new to us 5th wheel! We have a 28.6ft 5th wheel and had not problem getting in and parked!" shares valerie C. from Manton Trails RV Park.
Leveling needs: Some rustic sites require additional preparation. "Our site had a fair bit of slope side to side, which I mentioned to the person that led us to our site. He said they'd look into it," notes a camper about the terrain at equestrian campgrounds in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Central Lake, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Central Lake, MI is Gaylord KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Central Lake, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Central Lake, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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